James Ronald Henderson

With much sadness we announce the passing of James Ronald Henderson, 74, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, on July 19, 2022, after a long battle with Lewy Bodies Disease.
Ron (Ronnie) was born on December 2, 1947, to Bill and Roeburta Henderson in Columbus, Nebraska. After Ron graduated from Central High School in 1966, he went on to major in business and history at Oklahoma State University.
After graduating from OSU, Ron began his career as a mortgage broker at Mager Mortgage, where he became a developer of commercial real estate. He gained expertise developing Wolf Point Industrial Park in Northeast Tulsa. During this time Ron played a key role in the establishment of the Port of Catoosa, which ships manufactured goods and agricultural products from Oklahoma to the rest of the world
Ron's experience with managing waterways led him to work as a consultant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Continuing his service as a Major in logistics in the Army Reserves, Ron was deployed to the Pentagon for several projects regarding the transference of miliary equipment to the Port.
Ron's additional career was drilling for oil in Oklahoma with the Henderson Companies. This avocation became a vocation later in his working life. His enthusiasm for oil exploration was one of his great passions later in his life.
In 1972, Ron married Jamie Lee Blevins. Ron and Jamie had three children: Benjamin James, Katrin Lee, and Joseph Marion Henderson.
Ron's bevy of buddies from Central's class of 1966, maintained contact with Ronnie during his illness, and Ron's family is particularly grateful to Wayne Wheatley for his help while Ron endured the challenges of failing health at the end of his life.
Ron loved political history and was quite an expert in the lives of U.S. Presidents. A great conversationalist, Ron could talk politics with just about anybody, unless they were a Democrat.
Ron is survived by his children, Katie Carl of Buena Vista, Colorado, Benjamin Henderson of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Joey Henderson of Tulsa, as well as many cousins, nephews, and nieces. He was the dear brother of Renee Valentine, Ruth Givens, and Roger Henderson.
He was especially proud of his grandchildren Taiya and Riley Carl, Elizabeth and Laney Henderson, and Evan Henderson.
During Ron's time at Grove Assisted Living, Ron touched the hearts of the staff and hospice workers. In fact, Ron's love for Snickers prompted Suncrest Hospice to write the Marr's Candy Company, and they graciously sent Suncrest hospice staff an abundance of snickers for Ron to enjoy. They gave him the affectionate title "snickers" that stayed with him throughout his time at the Grove.
A Celebration of Life was held for Ron on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the home of his sister Ruth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Suncrest Hospice, 4555 S. Harvard Ave. Suite C. Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74135.